Communities across Oregon  - and around the country - are struggling with contaminated recyclables, which has contributed to a sharp drop in interest in U.S. recycled materials from China, the major market for them. 

Contamination happens when we put things into recycling bins that can't be recycled and/or are dirty (i.e., trash, items with food residue).

To limit contamination, Lane County has revised its list of acceptable items for recycling for residents of Eugene, Springfield, Creswell, Lowell, Veneta, and unincorporated Lane County.

The list of no-longer-recyclable items includes plastic tubs, paper cartons, plastic party cups, shampoo and detergent bottles, clear produce containers, shredded paper, and more.

Read more in the The Register-Guard